defray

verb

de·​fray di-ˈfrā How to pronounce defray (audio)
dē-
defrayed; defraying; defrays

transitive verb

1
: to provide for the payment of : pay
sold advertising on his website to help defray the cost of running it
2
archaic : to bear the expenses of (a person)
defrayable adjective
defrayal noun

Examples of defray in a Sentence

This will defray the costs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And $5 from every catfish fish fry dinner sold will also help defray the cost. La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024 The cost for each student is $7,500, which Saffold wants to defray through fundraising. La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024 Keeping a particular balance on-chain while traveling or at home helps provide rewards to defray future transaction costs. Geoff Whitmore, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 One cut is almost certain to be to the COVID-19-era subsidy that helps defray the cost of health insurance for people who buy their own policies via the Affordable Care Act exchange. Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for defray 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French deffroyer, from des- de- + frayer to expend, from Old French, from frais, plural of fret, frait expenditure, literally, damage by breaking, from Latin fractum, neuter of fractus, past participle of frangere to break — more at break

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of defray was in 1536

Dictionary Entries Near defray

Cite this Entry

“Defray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defray. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

defray

verb
de·​fray di-ˈfrā How to pronounce defray (audio)
: to pay or provide for the payment of
more money to defray expenses
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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